Wednesday, November 20, 2013

As the world marked the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic Calendar, also
known as Ashura day, a group of enthusiastic youth started a unique campaign, ‘Who
is Hussain’.

This small
band distributed around 5000 water bottles on the streets of Mumbai to the locals,
irrespective of religion. Messages by great personalities including those of
Gandhiji, Nehru, Gibbon, Rabindranath Tagore and Carlyle for Imam Hussain were
imprinted on these water bottles in bold letters. Also, these bottles included
the message of Imam Hussain for Humanity.

Different
spots between Dahisar Toll Naka and Bandra Kala Nagar signal were chosen to
fulfill the task that was accomplished by around two dozen students. “Actually,
the people are anxious to know, why we people mourn over Imam Hussain and his
small band of the faithful companions. We planned to inform them Who is Hussain’,
says Farazdaq Rizvi, a local convener of the programme.

“Program was
the part of an international campaign”, he says. Also he claimed that such
events are to be carried in other cities too.

Muslims
around the world commemorate day of Ashura for the sacrifice made by Imam
Hussain, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad and his companions. This band
of believers not more than 72 was brutally killed in the battle of Karbala by
the forces deputed by Yezid ibn Muavia, the then ruler some 13 centuries ago.

It is said that when he failed in negotiations with the
ruling party, he expressed the wish to move towards India. Although Imam
Hussain failed to reach India, his message prevails. Thousands of Indian,
including Hindus commemorates his death with total devotion in different parts
of the country.